Altus AFB hosts Feds Feed Families food drive

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan Clark
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Altus AFB is hosting the Feds Feed Families food drive through Aug. 31 to help provide non-perishable items to local families in need.

The food drive is a combined effort between the Defense Department, Defense Commissary Agency, the Department of Agriculture, and the Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group.

The lead contact for the drive on Altus AFB, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jeff Witherly, says each unit should have a donation box labeled with items being accepted. The commissary also offers $10 bags at the checkout line that are pre-filled with items.

"It's really easy to donate. It's one of the easiest things that you could do," said Witherly. "Just one bundle from the commissary or one small grocery bag could potentially provide a family meals for a day. It could be the easiest charity that you do this year and could bring a huge impact."

The items are intended for families in need in the local area, and may benefit military families as well.

Witherly says this is a volunteer-based event, but if anyone wants to help by hosting a drive at any other event they can contact him for more information.

The Warrior 5/6 council has helped with much of the logistics and the loading of goods collected so far. The goods are distributed by the Southwest Oklahoma Community Action Group through the Community Cupboard, a local food pantry.

So far more than 1,700 pounds of goods have been donated to the Feds Feed Families campaign.